When people think of ductless mini-splits, they often picture them as a solution for cooling a home in the summer. However, these systems are much more than just air conditioners—they’re also highly efficient heat pumps that can significantly reduce the reliance on a primary heating system, especially in the Midwest. Let us tell you more about ductless heating in Joliet, IL.
With long, cold winters and fluctuating temperatures, Midwestern homeowners are always looking for ways to cut heating costs while staying warm. A ductless mini-split heat pump can be the perfect complement to your existing furnace, offering energy savings, zone control, and increased comfort throughout the year.
How Ductless Heat Pumps Work
Unlike traditional HVAC systems that rely on ductwork to distribute air, ductless mini-splits consist of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handlers. These systems use heat pump technology to transfer heat rather than generate it. In the summer, they pull heat from inside the home and expel it outdoors. In the winter, they extract heat from the outside air—even in cold temperatures—and transfer it indoors. This process is highly efficient compared to fossil fuel-based heating systems like gas furnaces.
Reduce Your Heating Costs
One of the biggest advantages of installing a ductless mini-split in the Midwest is the potential for heating cost savings. Traditional furnaces, especially those powered by propane or electric resistance heat, can be expensive to operate when temperatures drop. Ductless heat pumps are incredibly efficient, often boasting a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3 or higher, meaning they provide three times more heat energy than the electricity they consume.
Using a mini-split for supplemental heating during milder winter days can drastically reduce fuel consumption. Rather than running your furnace at full blast throughout the season, you can rely on the mini-split to handle the heating load on days when the temperature isn’t at its lowest, reducing overall energy use and extending the life of your furnace.
Zone Heating for Maximum Efficiency
Another major benefit of ductless heat pumps is their ability to provide zone heating. Unlike a central heating system that warms the entire house to one set temperature, mini-splits allow you to heat specific areas as needed. If you spend most of your time in certain rooms—such as the living room, home office, or bedroom—you can install a mini-split in those spaces and keep them comfortable without overheating the entire home.
This targeted heating approach helps prevent energy waste and keeps utility bills lower. It’s particularly useful for homeowners with rooms that tend to be colder than others or those with additions that are difficult to heat with a central system.
Improved Comfort and Air Quality
Ductless mini-splits also offer superior comfort compared to traditional heating systems. Because they deliver consistent, even heating without the on-and-off cycles of a furnace, they help maintain a more stable indoor temperature. Many models include inverter technology, which adjusts compressor speed to meet heating demand efficiently, avoiding uncomfortable temperature fluctuations.
Additionally, mini-splits don’t rely on ductwork, which can accumulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants over time. This means better indoor air quality, making them a great option for allergy sufferers.
Are Ductless Mini-Splits Worth It in the Midwest?
Some homeowners may be skeptical about whether a ductless mini-split can handle Midwest winters. While extreme cold can reduce efficiency, many modern mini-splits are designed to function in surprisingly cold temperatures. For the coldest days, having a backup furnace is still recommended, but a mini-split can drastically reduce its runtime and fuel consumption.
Would you like to learn more about how a ductless heat pump can work for your home?
Call J&A today, Sleep-tight tonight!